The Faction continues to examine troubles faced by the nobility with Strindberg’s Miss Julie - being performed in rep with Twelfth Night and Mary Stuart.
And while this drama, about a Count’s daughter who shacks up with a servant, lacks the addictiveness of director Mark Leipacher’s other productions, it still demonstrate why the cast deserve to be in the spotlight.
Leonie Hill, who threatens to steal the show in other productions, shows less range as Miss Julie - going straight from seductress to weepy. Cary Crankson’s servant Jean is equally difficult to warm to, and Kate Sawyer’s reserved cook Kristen needs much more oomph.
When Hill and Crankson hit their stride, the chemistry can be electrifying. But the main attraction here lies beyond the stage where the rest of the cast are providing the soundtrack.
The noise of a fizzy beer is recreated with Berocca, dishes are washed until they are literally squeaky clean and a distant party is recreated with near-silent whispers.
The amount of rehearsing needed to perfect the timing is impressive - however, the sound effects are at their most effective, and least distracting, when they are used more sparingly.
Leipacher’s production does show elements of Jean-style daring ambition and seductiveness, but - just like the social climber - does not quite live up to high expectations.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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